You can choose from a number of business models when opening a stationery store business, so you must first decide on the products and services you wish to offer. Consumer stationery stores sell pre-printed, custom printed or blank stationery and invitations. Business stationery businesses sell custom printed stationery and related items for business use. Both business types may provide in-house printing, or contract with a wholesale vendor for printing services, but each requires different marketing and advertising strategies, merchandise stock inventory and pricing structures.

Create a business plan outlining all aspects and details of your business including start-up and operational costs, target customer base and related marketing plan. Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration website for free detailed business plan and other small business startup information (See Resources).

Search your local newspaper ads or consult a commercial real estate agent for store space. Your real estate agent can provide valuable information regarding customer demographics and street traffic counts. If you are opening a virtual store, contact a local web designer or online hosting company who will assist you in designing a store, purchasing a domain name and e-commerce hosting package. If you are operating a retail store, at least basic website is recommended. An e-commerce web presence combined with a retail store can help increase overall sales and online credibility.

Decide on a business structure -- proprietorship, limited liability company or corporation -- based on your business plan and file the necessary paperwork with your state office. The SBA website provides free business structure information, and your state office or website will provide the necessary paperwork and fee schedule.

Obtain local business permits from your town hall, state retail tax license from your state's department of taxation, and Taxpayer Identification Number from the internal revenue service inline. If you will hire employees, the IRS requires you to obtain an Employer Identification Number. There are no special licenses or permits required to operate a stationery store, but you may need to apply for health and safety inspections if providing printing services on premises.

Purchase initial stock from your stationery suppliers. Partner with stationery suppliers in your region to ensure faster shipping times for special orders. This will save money by limiting your stock-on-hand and allow you to restock merchandise quickly as it runs low. Some suppliers will provide catalogs, merchandising and display aids for free or at a reduced cost.

Purchase marketing materials from a local print and sign shop. Business cards, signage, brochures, fliers and other marketing aids will be used to spread the word on your new stationery store business.

Things Needed

Business plan

Retail or virtual store

Local business permits, state tax license and federal tax numbers

Store supplies and office gear

Initial stock

Marketing materials

Tips

Your stationery store's appearance and marketing efforts will need to reflect your customer and product type. Retail consumer stores generally have more leeway in decorating and marketing options, while business-to-business stores will need to adhere to professional business decor and marketing.

Take advantage of free or low-cost training, merchandising services, displays and catalogs whenever possible. Partnering with your stationery distributor can save you time and money, and you will learn the finer aspects of the stationery businesses quicker than on your own.

Research the stationery industry before, during and after your start up to gain advice, spot trends and new products.

Warnings

Avoid combining a business and consumer store unless you have the means and space to market, advertise and service both customer types. Both store types, stock requirements, advertising, sales efforts, pricing strategies and business models are very different, and you will risk financial difficulty attempting to service both markets at once.

Providing custom printing services in-house can add greatly to your startup and operational expenses. Even a small printing press requires a considerable investment, and can take years to operate properly. There is also the possible increased cost of insurance, and periodic safety and environmental inspections. Use a contract printer instead to minimize costs and risk, and you can always offer these services in the future if the business warrants.

About the Author

Matt McKay began his writing career in 1999, writing training programs and articles for a national corporation. His work has appeared in various online publications and materials for private companies. McKay has experience in entrepreneurship, corporate training, human resources, technology and the music business.